Bangkok: Rome supports the establishment of a special committee to study the cancellation of MOU 43-44, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive study to be conducted quickly due to existing allocations to the private sector. Mr. Rangsiman Rome, a party-list MP and deputy leader of the Prachachon Party, addressed the proposal to cancel the MOUs, expressing the People’s Party’s concerns about potential damage to Thailand and stressing the importance of basing decisions on national interests.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Rangsiman explained that the People’s Party is aware of the public’s concerns regarding MOUs 43 and 44. He advocated for a special committee comprising diplomats, academics, and other stakeholders to study the matter thoroughly. The committee is expected to make a prudent decision that considers all possible impacts, especially given that MOU 44 involves the Overlapping Maritime Area between Thailand and Cambodia, which concerns natural gas and has existing allocations to the private sector.

Mr. Rangsiman highlighted the complexities involved, noting that MOU 44 links the maritime boundary with natural resource interests and involves multiple stakeholders, including foreign governments. He emphasized the importance of preparing for all possible impacts should these MOUs be revoked. The proposal to consider MOUs 43 and 44 is seen as crucial, and the People’s Party hopes for a comprehensive and timely review by the special committee.

When questioned about the government’s stance on the matter, Mr. Rangsiman acknowledged that the issue involves international law and whether Thailand can unilaterally revoke the MOUs. He stated that the decision is ultimately up to the government, but the House of Representatives has the right to be informed and to decide on the issue. The priority, he insists, is that the special committee must reach a thorough and comprehensive conclusion without delay.